Sanitation suction device

ABSTRACT

A cover incorporating an antimicrobial dispenser and a filter for a suction housing for a water vessel, whereby the antimicrobial and the filter are replaceable without having to remove the cover from the suction housing. Additionally, a flange suction body assembly capable of receiving a replaceable filter. The present invention also describes the method on how to promote and sale and package, a suction sanitation device.

CROSS RELATED APPLICATIONS

This non-provisional utility patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/797,837 titled Antimicrobial Chemical Dispensing Faceplate filed Mar. 10, 2004. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/797,873 is a divisional of parent U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/211,497 titled Non-Electrical Sanitation Device, filed Aug. 2, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,760,931. Additionally, the present invention claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent application 60/562,323 filed Apr. 15, 2004 titled Method to Promote and Sale a Suction Sanitation Device for a Whirlpool Bathtub, U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60/571,593 filed May 5, 2004 entitled Retrofit Substance Dispenser for Whirlpool Bathtub Faceplate and Safety packaging Methods, and U.S. Patent Provisional Application 60/499,585 filed Sep. 3, 2003 titled Retrofit Whirlpool Bathtub Bacteria Inhibiting Sanitation Assembly.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to combining an antimicrobial dispenser and a filter with a suction cover for a water vessel having a closed loop piping system and a water pump, whereby the antimicrobial in the dispenser and the filter is replaceable without having to remove the cover for a suction housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Whirlpool-type baths have been employed to treat discomfort resulting from strained muscles, joint ailments and the like. More recently, such baths have been used increasingly as means of relaxing from the daily stresses of modern life. A therapeutic effect is derived from bubbling water and swirling jet streams that create an invigorating hydro massage of the user's body.

To create the desired whirlpool motion and hydro massage effect, a motorized water pump draws water through a suction fitting in a receptacle, such as a bathtub. The user first fills the bathtub. Then the user activates the closed loop whirlpool system. The closed looped plumbing system is considered to be all parts of a whirlpool bathtub that cannot be opened for cleaning. Thus, the jets, pump, piping system, air controls, sanitation suction device and the like and all components that cannot be opened for cleaning from the inline closed looped plumbing system of a whirlpool bath. The water travels through a piping system and back out jet fittings. Jet fittings are typically employed to inject water at a high velocity into a bathtub. Usually the jet fittings are adapted to aspirate air so that the water discharged into the receptacle is aerated to achieve the desired bubbling effect. (See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,340,039 to Hibbard et al, incorporated herein by reference.) Generally, whirlpool baths are designed like a normal bathtub to be drained after each use. However, debris in the form of dead skin, soap, hair and other foreign material circulate throughout the closed loop plumbing system. This debris does not completely drain and over time, it accumulates in the closed loop plumbing system, especially a water pumps impeller. Such debris has been reported by scientists to cause a human health risk.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,395,167 to Mattson, Jr. et al. (“Mattson”), which is incorporated herein by reference discloses the first below the waterline suction filter invention for a water vessel having a closed loop piping system and a water pump. U.S. Pat. No. 6,751,814 to Mattson, Jr. et al., which is incorporated herein by reference discloses a suction filter also having a chemical cage that augments the germ killing properties of a whirlpool bathtub. U.S. Pat. No. 6,760,931 to Mattson, Jr. et al., which is incorporated herein by reference discloses a non-electrical sanitation device for a water vessel having a closed loop piping system. The sanitation device has a chemical chamber and a removable filter. Further incorporated herein by reference is Mattson's U.S. Patent and Trademark Disclosure Document 536803 that discloses a faceplate having a chemical chamber and a filter attached to the faceplate.

The present invention provides for a cover that attaches to a below the waterline suction housing for a water vessel having a closed looped piping system and a water pump. The present invention incorporates a filter and an antimicrobial dispenser whereby the antimicrobial and the filter can be replaced or replenished without having to remove the cover from a suction housing.

The term water vessel used herein means any vessel holding water having a closed loop piping system and a water pump. The term antimicrobial used herein means any chemical, substance or element that has antimicrobial properties. This could include silver. The term cover means faceplate or any cover having flow through water passages.

Because there is so many whirlpool bathtubs are installed without a suction sanitation device, the proper method of promoting such a technology must be done in such a way not to hurt the whirlpool bathtub industry, or cause a panic by people whom have these systems without a suction sanitation device.

Until the Mattson sanitation inventions there were no suction sanitation devices for a water vessel having a closed loop piping system. Presently, there is no Mattson suction sanitation system being sold or promoted and therefore, there is a need to teach the proper and responsible method of promoting a suction sanitation device and packaging of the device. It is desirable that brochures and specification sheets be made showing the feature functions and benefits of the technology. It is desirable that other print media advertisements be developed and used. Radio and television spots could be made and aired. Websites and other forms of Internet media could to be utilized to sale the technology. Billboards and direct mailing pieces could be used. Point of purchase displays at home centers, retailers and wholesalers could to be developed and used. Videos explaining the technology could be used and many other forms of advertising could be used. However, in all these forms of advertising, it is desirable that nothing should be mentioned or inferred that one must use a sanitation suction device for a whirlpool bathtub, and if they do not use one, that they may be in risk of infection, or endangerment. Such claims in advertising could provide for a panic in the marketplace among whirlpool bathtub users not having a suction sanitation device, damage the whirlpool bathtub industry and might create possible legal lawsuits against those who use such claims to promote a suction sanitation device for a whirlpool bathtub. Therefore, all forms of advertising and promotion should not have any claims made about a suction sanitation device for a whirlpool bathtub that could create public panic or damage the whirlpool bathtub industry.

The use of bacteria testing in the promotion of a suction sanitation device for a whirlpool bathtub is also desirable. While this is not mandatory to the present inventions business method of selling a suction sanitation device for a whirlpool bathtub, such test results should be made available to anyone that so requests them. The tests results may be offered in complete or abbreviated forms. But generally should show the results of the inhibiting of bacteria in a whirlpool bathtub that uses a suction sanitation system.

It is also desirable that any voluntary standards or mandatory standards such as may be the case with Underwriters Laboratories, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the I.A.P.M.O and/or other organization seals (labels) showing that the suction sanitation device has been listed by such organizations, appears on the suction sanitation device. This could be done by a label, having these seals and/or numbers affixed or impregnated into a component or components of the suction sanitation device. It is also desirable that these seals or numbers appear in some or all printed point of purchase material such as brochures, specification, installation manuals and the like.

There are various selling channels for a suction sanitation device for a whirlpool bathtub. Whirlpool bathtub OEM or original equipment manufacturers are entities that make whirlpool bathtubs. A suction sanitation device could be sold as a finished product to these entities to be incorporated into new whirlpool bathtubs. These entities could also be sold a license to manufacture and make a suction sanitation device for a whirlpool bathtub. They could also make and sell a retrofitable suction sanitation device for resale to the end user or others that have sold their whirlpool bathtubs without providing a suction sanitation device. Wholesalers and in particular plumbing wholesalers could be sold a suction sanitation device that could be retrofitted to whirlpool bathtubs they sell or have sold that are now in the field without one. The suction sanitation device could be sold at a fix price, or a quantity price or a discount from a suggested list price. Some of these companies have what is referred to as city service counters. They are counters that plumbers and other customers come to buy their plumbing needs. For these city counters it is desirable that a suction sanitation device be packaged in cellophane possibly with a cardboard other material to allow print to be placed on it. This way the customer could visually see what they are buying and read from the package the benefits of using a suction sanitation device.

Retailer's, such as home centers are another sells channel. The packages of the suction sanitation device should be determined for each retail operation. Home centers such as Home Depot may need a box type packaging while a home center such as Loews may require a see through packaging. Also various retailers may require point of purchase material in the form of fact cards, rack cards, videos and brochure racks. It is desirable that when selling a suction sanitation device that inhibits bacteria growth in a whirlpool bathtub to a home center, that the entity selling the home center provides a no questions asked return policy. In other words, if a customer buys a suction sanitation device for a whirlpool bathtub from a home center that they will take it back or replace it at no charge to the home center. It is also desirable that entities that sell a suction sanitation device for a whirlpool bathtub offer co-op advertising. However, for any such adverting it is desirable that the entity has a policy to approve any advertising prior to such advertising. This will help to ensure that all claims made about the suction sanitation device are proper to limit liability.

Consumer sales are also important. Infomercials are one avenue to sell a suction sanitation device. It is important when selling to the consumer that the price of the suction sanitation device for a whirlpool bathtub is higher than the price sold to the home center or the wholesaler. This will help to protect the distribution-selling channel.

The ordering and sales process is similar to all sales channels in that: An order is placed, the order is filled, and the purchaser is either billed or pays at time of purchase.

The sales price or cost of the suction sanitation device is important for user acceptance and should also be priced in a range where the technology is affordable. If the selling price of such an important technology were priced out of the reach of most users, then the technology could be detrimental to the whirlpool bathtub industry. Therefore, the selling price of a suction sanitation device for a whirlpool bathtub should not exceed $75. This price includes all components or any single component of a suction sanitation device. A suction sanitation device could also have replacement parts. Such parts could be but are not limited to a chemical chamber, the chemical that is housed in the chemical chamber a filter or a combination of a faceplate and chemical chamber or a faceplate, chemical chamber and filter. These replacement parts should not cost more than $10 each individually. In other words, if just the faceplate is sold it should not cost more than $10 a combination faceplate and chemical chamber should not cost more than $20 each. As for a replacement chemical, the chemical should not have a selling price exceeding $5. All prices are reflected in present valve in 2004 United State Dollars.

It is desirable that liability disclaimers should also be incorporated either on the suction sanitation device or in at least one form of printed point of purchase material. It is desirable that a suction sanitation device has an operations manual. It is further desirable that this manual or a sticker indicating safe use of the suction sanitation device is presented to the customer. It is additionally desirable because the suction sanitation device uses a chemical that safety instructions and emergency instructions such as used with spa or pool chemical products should be available to the customer.

It is desirable that the suction sanitation device is packaged to be shipped without damage to its destination. It is further desirable that the chemical or chemical inside the chemical chamber or the entire suction sanitation device is sealed in a water proof or air tight package. Such packaging could also incorporate a child proof configuration.

It is desirable than the suction sanitation device or any of the suction sanitation devices components weigh less than 3 pounds. This reduces the cost of shipping.

The suction sanitation device could be shipped by any vehicle using less than truck load, United Parcel Post type carriers, United States Postal Service or hand delivery. Other shipping methods could also be used, as the described shipping methods are used as examples and not limitation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The main aspect of the present invention is to provide a cover combining an antimicrobial dispenser in a water vessel having a closed loop piping system and a water pump that inhibits bacteria during whirlpool bathtub whereby the chemical is replenishable without having to remove the cover from a suction housing.

Another aspect of the current invention is providing a cover combining an antimicrobial dispensing and filter combination apparatus in a water vessel having a closed loop piping system and a pump that inhibits a growth of bacteria formation in at least a segment of the water vessel's closed loop piping system during and/or between water vessel activation.

Another aspect of the current invention is providing a cover combining an antimicrobial dispenser and filter combination apparatus in a water vessel having a closed loop piping system whereby the antimicrobial and filter are replaceable without having to remove the cover from a suction housing.

Another aspect of the current invention is providing a cover having drainage openings in the lower portion thereof and combining an antimicrobial dispenser and filter combination apparatus in a water vessel having a closed loop piping system, whereby the combination retains less than 6½ ounces of water after drain down of the water vessel.

Another aspect of the current invention is providing a cover that resists breakage when covering a suction housing when the center of the cover is impacted with 15-foot pounds.

Another aspect of the current invention is providing a cover that resists hair entrapment.

Another aspect of the current invention is providing a combination cover, antimicrobial dispenser and filter that accommodates water flow exceeding 80 gallons per minute.

Another aspect of the current invention is providing a combination cover, antimicrobial dispenser and filter that accommodates a water flow exceeding 80 gallons per minute and does not increase a vacuum of a suction line leading to a pump by less than 15 Hg.

Another aspect of the current invention is providing a combination cover, antimicrobial dispenser and filter where the antimicrobial lasts for a polarity of bath cycles before needing replacement.

Another aspect of the current invention is providing an antimicrobial dispenser that releases about a metered dose of antimicrobial for any given bath capacity or water flow.

Another aspect of the current invention is providing an antimicrobial dispenser that releases an antimicrobial when only a normal bath is taken and a water pump is not activated.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of selling a suction sanitation device limiting liability exposure.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of selling a suction sanitation device that limits and/or prevents panic in the marketplace.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of selling a suction sanitation device that incorporates presenting testing reports in full or abbreviated form available to the customer.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of promoting a suction sanitation device having at least one seal or number by Underwriters Laboratory, I.A.P.M.O or other such testing companies on a component of the suction sanitation device.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method of promoting a suction sanitation device is prices it to be affordable to most purchasers of whirlpool bathtubs.

Other aspects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded side view of suction assembly having a chemical chamber and removable filter.

FIG. 2 is a chemical chamber.

FIG. 3 is a front view of inventive cover assembly on a water vessel.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a filter and chemical chamber attached to a cover.

Before explaining the disclosed embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangements shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring first to FIG. 1. Suction assembly 1 has housing 2 having shank 19. Shank 19 has threads 13. Threads 13 fit through an opening cut into a tub opening (not shown). Nut 4 having inner threads (threads not shown) screws onto threads 13 securing housing 2 to a tub. The way housing 2 secures to a tub is shown by way of example and not limitation as there is other ways housing 2 could secure to a tub. Rib support 14 extends from housing 2 and adds support to cover 3 when cover 3 covers rib 14. This support allows for cover 3 to pass a 15 foot-pound impact to the center of cover 3 without cover 3 breaking. Rib support 14 is shown by way of example and not limitation, as there are other ways to add supports so the cover passes a 15 foot-pound impact test. Cover nut 15 secures cover 3 to flange 2. There are numerous ways or attachment means that could be used to secure cover 3 to flange 2 and all ways would fall into the scope of the present invention. One embodiment of the current invention uses a screw 15 to secure the cover to flange 2. This method of attachment requires a tool to remove the cover 3 from the housing 2. Housing 2 is shown by way of illustration and not limitation. Housing 2 could be of any configuration. Cover 3 could also have a snap on arrangement or any other attachment arrangement where a tool is not needed to remove the cover from housing 2. Cover 3 could have any shape or dimension however one embodiment has a cover having a surface area of less than about 20 square inches. The cover has drainage openings 11 to allow water in suction assembly 1 to drain back into a tub (not shown). One embodiment of the current invention allows water retention of less than 4 ounces of water in suction assembly 1 when a water vessel (not shown) is drained of water. One embodiment of the current invention allows less than trace amounts of water to be retained in suction assembly 1 when a water vessel is drained of water. Cover 3 has openings 16 where water is drawn through openings 16 and 11 into and through housing 2. These openings are of sufficient size to permit water flow of over 70 gallons per minute to flow through cover 3 yet preventing hair entrapments in cover 3. Cover 3 also prevents body entrapment. One embodiment of the current invention has enough openings sized in the right configuration to have no suction on the cover when water having flow and pressure of over about 70 gallons per minute passes through cover 3. Cover 3 has filter receiving opening 2A. Opening 2A is shown by way of example and not limitation as opening 2A could be anywhere on cover 3. Filter 5 inserts into opening 2A of cover 3. This provides that water-entering cover 3 passes through filter 5. Filter 5 is designed to accommodate water flows exceeding 70 gallons per minute. Chemical chamber 8 sides or attaches to chemical chamber opening 7 in cover 3. Chemical chamber 8 can be replaceable or is non-removable from chamber opening 7. A chemical (not shown) inserts into chemical chamber 8. The chemical can be any substance, chemical or element that has antimicrobial properties. Cap 12 covers chemical chamber 8. Flange 2 also has filter receiving opening 2B. Chemical chamber 8 could also be attached and be removable from the front side of cover 3. There is no restriction to where chemical chamber 8 or filter 5 can be placed on or adjacent to cover 3. Ornamental cap 6 has barbs 20 that insert into cover openings 19A (not shown) on cover 3.

Referring next to FIG. 2, chemical chamber 8 has an opening 8A. As water passes by opening 8 water impacts a chemical (not shown) in chemical chamber 8, wherein a portion of chemical releases from chemical chamber 8. Opening 8A can be calibrated by increasing the opening or decreasing the opening to release about a metered dose of antimicrobial for any given water flow or tub capacity. Chamber 8 is shown by way of example and not limitation as chemical chamber 8 could be in different sizes and configurations. Also chemical chamber 8 could have more than one opening and the opening or openings could be in various locations. Chemical chamber 8 could also be located anywhere on cover 3 and even have a member (not shown) to attach chemical chamber 8 to the front side of cover 3 or anywhere adjacent to cover 3. Antimicrobial holder 20 has cap 21 and release opening 22. An antimicrobial (not shown) fits into antimicrobial hold 20. Tape or some other form of cover (not shown) covers release-opening 22. The tape prevents a user in coming into contact with the antimicrobial. Antimicrobial holder 20 insets into chemical chamber 8. Just before insertion the tape would be removed from release opening 22. This provides a safe way to transport and chemical without the chemical coming in contact with a user.

Referring next to FIG. 3, cover 3 has drain openings 11. Cover 3 is also shown on water vessel tub 9. Filter 5 has filter media 17. Filter media 17 provides less than 30% restriction to output jets (not shown) on a water vessel (not shown). In order words the filter restricts output jet pressure only slightly. Filter 5 inserts into opening 2A. Chemical chamber 8 inserts into chemical receiving opening 7. Cap 12 covers chemical chamber 8. Treaded attachment member 15 (not shown) screws into treaded attachment member opening 18 and into flange threaded attachment member (not shown) to secure cover 3 to housing 2. Cover openings 19A receives barbs 20 of ornamental cap 6. The present invention could also use cavitation features found in Mattson prior art to prevent a water vessel system (not shown) from operating if the chemical in the chemical chamber is exhausted or the filter is absent. Additionally, the current invention could use features found Mattson prior art to alert a user when it is time to replenish a chemical in the chemical chamber or when to replace the filter. The amount of antimicrobial released is such that the antimicrobial inhibits a growth of bacteria in at least a segment of a water vessel between and/or during water vessel usage. Filter media 17 can be located anywhere on cover 3 or adjacent to cover 3. Filter media 17 is shown by way of illustration and not limitation as filter media 17 could have any configuration. The antimicrobial (not shown) housed in chemical chamber 8 could be any chemical, antimicrobial, element or substance that has antimicrobial properties. This also includes silver and other metals that have antimicrobial properties. When such metal or metals are used it is preferred that some low voltage supply, batteries or direct AC or DC (not shown) contacts the metal to release the metals antimicrobial properties. When Bromine or Chlorine is used as the chemical it is preferable that the chemical chamber is calibrated to deliver less than about 6 parts per million concentration after mixing with water in a water vessel for a bath cycle lasting less than about one hour in duration.

Referring next to FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of cover 30. Cover 30 is shown by way of example and not limitation and could be any suction cover for a water vessel having a closed loop piping system and a water pump. Cover 30 has drainage openings 22 and water flow through opening 23, both openings 22 and 23 water flows through in direction WF. Support 32 holds chemical chamber 31 to cover 30. Chemical chamber 31 has chemical release opening 39. The shape of chemical chamber 31 is shown by way of example and not limitation as chemical chamber 31 could have any shape and be any size and have or more chemical release openings. Support 32 is also shown by way of example and not limitation as chemical chamber 31 could attach in different ways to a suction cover. Chemical 33 slides into chemical chamber 31. Chemical 31 is shown by way of example and not limitation as chemical 33 could be any shape or size or could even be a liquid. Spring 34 keeps chemical 33 against opening 39 as water erodes chemical 33. Cap 35 covers chemical chamber 31. Filter 86 is shown as a cross section view and filter 86 is attached to cover 30. Water flows through cover 30 in direction WF and passed chemical chamber 31 and then through filter 86 and then water enters a closed loop piping system (not shown) of a water vessel (not shown). Filter 86 could also be attached to the front surface of cover 30 where filter 86 preferably would cover openings 22 and 23. Chemical chamber 31 could also be attached to the front surface of cover 30. Both filter 86 and chemical chamber 31 could be removable from cover 30. 

1. A cover for a water vessel having a closed loop piping system and a water pump, the improvement comprising: a cover having water flow through passages; said cover covering a below the waterline suction housing; said cover having an opening to receive a chemical; said cover having an opening to receive a replaceable filter; a chemical chamber housing a chemical; said chemical chamber attached to said cover; said chemical chamber having one or more opening to release said chemical; wherein the chemical is replenishable in said chemical chamber without having to remove said cover from said suction housing; a filter; said filter inserting into said opening to receive a replaceable filter; and wherein the said filter is replaceable without having to remove said cover from the said suction housing.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chemical chamber is calibrated to release a chemical concentration after mixing with water of 6 parts per million in a water vessel having a single bath cycle of less than one hour in duration.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the chemical is Bromine.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the chemical is Chlorine.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the chemical chamber releases a metered dose of chemical.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, said cover retrofitable to a suction housing.
 7. A cover for a water vessel having a closed loop piping system and a water pump, the improvement comprising: a cover having water flow through passages; said cover covering a below the waterline suction housing, whereby a tool is needed to remove said cover from said suction housing; a water drainage opening in the lower portion of said cover; said cover having an opening to receive a chemical; said cover having an opening to receive a replaceable filter; a chemical chamber housing a chemical; said chemical chamber attached rearward of the front surface of said cover; said chemical chamber having one or more opening to release said chemical; wherein the chemical is replenishable in said chemical chamber from the front side of said cover without having to remove said cover from said suction housing; wherein said chemical inhibits a growth of a microorganism in at least a segment of the water vessel between water vessel pump activation and/or during water vessel pump activation; a filter; said filter inserting into said opening to receive a replaceable filter; and wherein the said filter is replaceable without having to remove said cover from the said suction housing.
 8. A cover for a water vessel having a closed loop piping system and a water pump, the improvement comprising: a cover having water flow through passages; said cover covering a below the waterline suction housing; said cover having an opening to receive a chemical; said cover having an opening to receive a replaceable filter; a chemical chamber housing a chemical; said chemical chamber attached rearward of the front surface of said cover; said chemical chamber having one opening to release said chemical; wherein said chemical inhibits a growth of a microorganism in at least a segment of the water vessel. a filter; said filter inserting into said opening to receive a replaceable filter; wherein the said filter is replaceable without having to remove said cover from the said suction housing; and wherein the said cover, said filter and said chemical chamber accommodates over about 70 gallons per minute water flow pressure.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, a chemical holder having a chemical release opening, wherein the chemical holder inserts into said chemical chamber.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, said holder release opening has a cover covering; cover being removable by a user.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the said filter restricts the water pressure out an output jet by less than 30%.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the said cover, said filter and said filter increases a vacuum on a suction line by less than 15 Hg.
 13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the said chemical is a sliver metal or other metal or combination of metals that have antimicrobial properties.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the said cover after attaching to said suction housing resists breakage when 15-foot pounds impact the center of said cover.
 15. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the said cover after attaching to said suction housing will not dislodge from the said suction housing when 15-foot pounds impact the center of said cover. 